QGC, Partners Invest $1.2B to Boost Gas Output in Australia's QCLNG Project

QGC Pty Limited, along with joint venture partners China National Offshore Oil Corporation and Tokyo Gas, reported Monday a two-year, $1.2 billion (AUD 1.7 billion) development of its natural gas tenements west of Wandoan to support gas production for the Queensland Curtis liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Australia.

The investment, which follows receipt of Commonwealth and State Government environmental approvals, has been approved by QGC’s parent company BG Group and the joint venture partners.

BG Group’s share of the investment is within the Group's previously disclosed capital expenditure program. QGC has a 73.75 percent interest in the relevant natural gas tenements.

The development, known as Charlie, involves the construction of 300-400 wells, a large field compression station and associated pipelines and facilities which will feed into existing gas processing and water infrastructure at Woleebee Creek.

The works are part of the continuous development of QGC’s tenements in the Surat Basin to sustain natural gas supply to both domestic customers and the two-train Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) liquefaction plant on Curtis Island, near Gladstone.

QGC, which has appointed Leighton Contractors Pty Limited as the main works contractor, will progress development and construction immediately. Major infrastructure will be built on QGC property.

Managing Director Tony Nunan said this was an important investment in the future of QGC’s operations and built on the success of the world-first production of liquefied natural gas from coal seams in the past year. The QCLNG plant has delivered 62 cargoes since first LNG production in December 2014.

“This is a vote of confidence in the secure, long-term future of Queensland’s natural gas industry, which will employ Queenslanders for many years to come,” Nunan said.

“The Charlie development will help to sustain the benefits of our investment in local communities and the state, including up to 1,600 construction jobs and business opportunities during the two-year project.”